Madison Public Schools | November 2021
1
Chemistry - Unit 3 - Structure of the Atom and Nomenclature
Unit Focus
In Unit 3, students explore the Periodic Table and its versatility as the organizing framework for understanding the fundamentals of chemical behavior. Students explore groups on
the Periodic Table as well as distinguishing characteristics and chemical properties. Students then take a deeper dive into their understanding of subatomic particles, the relationship
between the particles and their relevance to atomic mass and isotopes. The last unit focuses on a study of chemical nomenclature, the highly structured process of writing names and
formulas of ionic compounds, molecular compounds and organic compounds. The unit concludes with a student designed project where chemical nomenclature, compound
classification, chemical formulas, their respective ratios and compound functionality are applied to everyday household items.
Stage 1: Desired Results - Key Understandings
Standard(s)
Transfer
Next Generation Science
High School Physical Sciences: 9 - 12
• Use the periodic table as a model to predict the
relative properties of elements based on the
patterns of electrons in the outermost energy
level of atoms. HS-PS1-1
• Communicate scientific and technical
information about why the molecular-level
structure is important in the functioning of
designed materials. HS-PS2-6
Next Generation Science Standards (DCI)
Science: 10
• The structure and interactions of matter at the
bulk scale are determined by electrical forces
within and between atoms. PS1.9.A2
Science: 11
• Each atom has a charged substructure
consisting of a nucleus, which is made of
protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.
PS1.9.A1
• The periodic table orders elements horizontally
by the number of protons in the atom's nucleus
and places those with similar chemical
properties in columns. The repeating patterns
Students will be able to independently use their learning to...
T1 Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to interpret patterns, draw conclusions, and/or make predictions.
T2 Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience to promote collective understanding and/or
recommend actions.
Meaning
Understanding(s)
Essential Question(s)
Students will understand that...
U1 The organization of elements in the periodic table based
on atomic structure facilitates predictions about their
characteristics.
U2 Matter of any type can be subdivided into particles that are
too small to see.
U3 Atoms are comprised of subatomic particles held together
by fundamental forces and their quantity and arrangement
determines the atom’s properties, identity, and behavior.
Students will keep considering...
Q1 How can the periodic table be used to understand or
classify matter?
Q2 How can we use models to represent structure of
matter?
Q3 How do particles combine to form the variety of
matter one observes?
Q4 How can one explain the structure, properties, and
interactions of matter?
Acquisition of Knowledge and Skill
Knowledge
Skill(s)
Students will know...
K1 That correct formulas and names of ionic compounds,
molecular compounds, and organic compounds can be
determined by the structure of nomenclature.
Students will be skilled at...
S1 Apply understanding of atomic structure to
nomenclature.
